Location map
Address: 12350 84 St. S.E.
Parking: free parking lot.
Park Features: New in 2018 – Natural Playground. Man made wetland area used to naturally improve stormwater quality before it enters the Bow River system, picnic tables and shelter.
It is home to the Environmental Education and Ethics Centre (indoor classroom, resource library, art studio, interpretive signage, meeting space), Beverly Pepper’s Sentinels art sculpture and a community orchard.
It offers numerous on-site programs and events and can also be booked for private functions and birthday parties.
Overall:
Natural Playground
Behind the Environmental Education Building, you will find the new natural playground. It already seems very popular with the community. See more about the Ralph Klein Park Natural playground here.
Ralph Klein Park
The Centerpiece of Ralph Klein Park is the Environmental Education and Ethics Building. The building design is pretty cool, it’s built as a bridge over the water.
This is a close up of the exterior.
Inside, they have a classroom, art studio, bathrooms and a place where you can refill your water bottle. They also have a small area set up with interactive and interpretive exhibits.
Both of the kids really enjoyed playing with the giant magnet wall near the classroom.
There were a few more exhibits down the other side of the hallway including touch screens as well as an elevator to get you to the area on top of the building if you can’t use the stairs.
On top of the building, you’ll find great views and interpretive signage.
By the parking lot you’ll find the community orchard as well as the 2nd pathway. We didn’t end up walking either of these pathways on our visit. The day was quite hot and and though there are benches there is very little shade along the pathways.
This is a great place to learn about Wetlands and get away from the city. Make sure when you visit you bring your bug spray, sunscreen and hats. The centre also offers a number of $5 family drop-in programs in the afternoon.
I liked all the birds (cliff swallows?) flying around by the building. Also the fact that they had an elevator to the top floor. It will be nicer when some of the trees grow a bit.
Looks very interesting. Your photos are fantastic.
I think it looks great, an where the hell was everyone 🙂
Wow! Looks like a FANTASTIC place, for kids of all ages. And the app looks great, too.
I have heard so many great things about this place. I hope to get a chance to take the kids there soon.
Is there a picnic area where we and our friends can get together for a picnic and is reasonably shaded?
Hi Edna,
There is a picnic area behind the centre. The picnic tables have sunshades but the park is not very shady in general.